[Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital

Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDimitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, Movement I (age 9)

This three-movement work, radiating a bright and lively atmosphere, is a delightful piece brimming with the joy of music.

The first movement opens with an impactful introduction of three resounding strong chords, followed by graceful melodies and a dynamic, rhythmic drive that leave a vivid impression.

Written in sonata form, it contrasts a spirited first theme with a lyrical, singing second theme.

In the development section, where the music changes rapidly, passages to be played jokingly alternate with those to be rendered cantabile, drawing out rich expressive possibilities.

By honoring the distinct character of each section and performing with a keen sense of harmonic resonance and rhythmic vitality, you can truly captivate the audience—making this a rewarding piece to play.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy music while honing their technique.

clownDimitri Kabalevsky

[Recommended for piano recitals] Clowns ♫ Kabalevsky / Clowns Op.39-20, Kabalevsky

The Clown by Dmitry Kabalevsky, a renowned modern Russian composer who produced many pieces for children, is one of the works included in the 1945 publication 24 Easy Pieces for Children, composed in 1944.

Written in 2/4 time, it features a chromatically shifting melody using accidentals and a lively left-hand accompaniment with staccato, making it a short yet impactful piece.

Rather than merely following the notes, try playing it while enjoying the way the music develops and changes one after another—like a clown performing a variety of acts.

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Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller

11. Wagtail / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.11 La Bergeronnette - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This piece in 2/4 time is characterized by a light, charming melody reminiscent of a little bird.

A rhythmic motif of “ta-ta-tan,” effectively using staccato and sixteenth notes, vividly evokes birdsong and adorable movements.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work lasts only about 30 seconds, yet captivates with a beautiful melody woven from right-hand scales and left-hand accompaniment.

By focusing on supple wrist motion and precise fingertip control, you can bring out the piece’s elegance even more.

Even beginners will find it enjoyable to tackle thanks to its lively rhythm and friendly, accessible melody.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “The Hunt”Johann Burgmüller

9. The Hunt / Burgmüller: 25 Progressive Pieces – No. 9 La Chasse – Classical Piano – CANACANA

This work beautifully harmonizes a light, flowing melody with a rhythmic accompaniment in 2/4 time.

It weaves an elegant sonic pattern inspired by the decorative motifs of Islamic art, creating a brilliant atmosphere when combined with its lively, march-like character.

The combination of a graceful right-hand sixteenth-note melody and left-hand staccato chords gleams like a sparkling jewel.

Published in Paris in 1851, the piece has long been cherished as an attractive work that sounds impressive despite its modest technical demands.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this radiant and graceful world of sound.

Birthday MarchLouis Köhler

"Birthday March" composed by L. Köhler (from The Teacher’s Selection: Piano Recital Masterpieces 1)

A charming piece that’s perfect for a first recital and appears in many children’s piano collections! Louis Köhler’s “Birthday March” is simple and easy to remember, yet it’s packed with essential elements for learning piano, such as chordal staccato and smooth legato in the melody.

Another appeal of this piece is the wide range of dynamics—from lively sections to passages played softly.

Imagine a birthday surprise as you play, and perform with rich expression.

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a band of Roma (Gypsies)Franz Behr

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Camp of Gypsies ♫ Behr

Gypsy Horde by German composer Franz Behr—who is said to have left as many as 600 short pieces—is a highly effective showpiece, featuring a light, brilliant melody and accompaniment.

It’s excellent practice not only for mastering fast passages, but also for developing a wide expressive range, thanks to the dramatic change in character in the middle section.

To let the beautiful, wistful melody resonate clearly, balancing the volume with the accompaniment is crucial.

Keep the left-hand accompaniment as quiet and light as possible so it doesn’t drown out the right hand’s quick-moving melodic line.

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Children’s Album, Book I: A Picture Book of Boyhood – No. 1, Little SongAram Khachaturian

A Little Song (Andantino) / Khachaturian Piano Cover, Children's Album, First Series: 'Album for the Young,' No. 1

Despite being a short piece of about one minute, Little Song is truly beautiful, with a somewhat nostalgic and plaintive melody spun at a relaxed tempo.

It is included in Album for Children, Book 1: Pictures of Childhood by Aram Khachaturian, one of the leading composers of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, and is recommended for beginner-level children.

Although it has quite a few accidentals and uses the black keys frequently—so you might think “This looks hard…” just by seeing the score—the difficulty is not that high because it is structured with chordal left hand and a single-line melody in the right hand.

Practice with a clear sense of each hand’s role, aiming to sing the melody beautifully!

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